Colonial Cities

Located in Campeche this 17th century hacienda has been carefully and sympathetically restored to its former glory. Many of the hacienda's original features are still evident, from its thick stone walls to the beautifully tiled floors.

With just 16 rooms, the hotel feels small and intimate, more like a grand home than a hotel. With every luxury to pamper guests, from its excellent restaurant to the unique swimming pool, it's a great place relax and unwind. The decor and furnishing of the guest rooms is elegant and lavish, reflecting the opulence and style of the hacienda's heyday.

For a first visit to Mexico City, the Hotel Majestic would be our highest recommendation whatever your budget.  There is no better introduction to the city than to wake in the morning to the sound of trumpets as the National Guard raise the flag in the Zocalo - the second biggest plaza in the world after Red Square in Moscow.

The location and the view are certainly the greatest draws of the Majestic, but they wouldn't have the same appeal in a modern hotel.   Although the guest rooms may not be the most luxurious in town, they wallow in a sense of historical significance whilst remaining comfortable and roomy.  We reckon that the combination of unrivalled location and value for money is one of the best deals in town.

From the same group of Mexican design hotels as the ever popular Habita, (Mexico City) Basico and Deseo (Playa del Carmen), Condesa df has quickly established itself as one of the trendiest and most fashionable hotels in town.   Ideally located in the trendy and increasingly popular Condesa neighborhood, with its tree-lined avenues and idyllic parks, this hotel is a welcome addition to the scene, and guests can benefit from the plethora of sidewalk cafes, bars and restaurants in the area.

Everything happens around the central inner atrium.  Hotel guests and locals gather to enjoy the fantastic food, from a 'modern basic' menu, which takes influences from across Mexico, and was created by Jonathan Morr and Linda Rodriguez, head chef at Bond Street NYC.

The spacious Roof Terrace provides a second communal area, featuring a bar and a sushi-bar.  Nestling amongst the treetops, the sunny terrace provides a lovely escape from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City.  By night, the terrace is warmed by patio heaters, and the drinks keep flowing until the early hours.

Las Mananitas is well known as one of the country's finest restaurants, but many people are unaware of the delightful accommodations also offered within the spectacular gardens.  There are 21 rooms and suites, most enjoying views of the colorful shrubs, tropical greenery and carefully maintained lawns that surround the property, as well as its resident collection of peacocks, parrots and other tropical birds.  It's incredible to imagine that this little paradise lies not only close to the heart of Cuernavaca but also within only an hour or two of the world's largest metropolis of Mexico City.

For business people with meetings in the city, Las Mananitas is the perfect weekend escape.  It's also the ideal start or end to a vacation for those who would rather not stay in the capital - there are many interesting sights in Cuernavaca, including a majestic Cathedral, Hernan Cortes' Palace, and some fine museums - all within walking distance of Las Mananitas. 

The hotel de Mendoza is located close to all the main city attractions - the Delgado theater can be seen from the lobby, just across Avenida Hidalgo, and the Cathedral is just two short blocks away.

Guest rooms are comfortable and spacious, and many have attractive views of the pool or the adjacent church Santa Maria de Gracia. The hotel's swimming pool is a welcome feature and the staff are very friendly and helpful.

Probably the oldest hotel in Guanajuato, and certainly the best known, the Posada Santa Fe is the place to stay in town. Not only does it house a venerable collection of the works of local artist and historian Manuel Leal, it also has the most desirable tables for soaking up the local atmosphere - right on the lively Jardin de la Union.

Enter the magnificent lobby and you could be in one of the finest hotels in Mexico. Lofty beamed ceilings, delicate chandeliers and antique chairs all fade into insignificance alongside the giant paintings dominating the walls.

It's difficult to find a warmer welcome and more comfortable accommodations in the City; especially for a longer stay.  The Embassy Suites is located on Reforma Avenue and within walking distance of the historic center - ideal for business trips and for sightseeing.  Every suite consists of two rooms, a sitting room and a bedroom, and is equipped with wireless internet access, coffee maker and microwave.  Complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast and a two hour manager's reception with complimentary beverages and hors d'oeuvres are some of the added bonuses offered here.  The staff is unfailingly helpful and efficient, and the hotel boasts an indoor swimming pool and a business center. 

An oasis of eleven rooms arranged around a beautiful and serene gardened courtyard, where guests can relax amidst flowers, fountains and palm trees just two blocks from the Cathedral.

The guest rooms are fully air-conditioned and have pretty tiled bathrooms. They are decorated with local handicrafts and brightly colored Mexican blankets, and many feature high ceilings. The hotel's Suite is on the second floor and boasts a large terrace.

Entering the lobby of the Hotel Caribe from Parque Hidalgo, you cannot fail to be impressed by the colonial warmth of the arches and colonnades rising above gleaming black and white tiled floors. The courtyard has shady walkways on each of the three floors and houses terracotta potted plants and pleasant seating areas.

Guest rooms are pretty and functional, but the main advantage is the excellent location, one block from the main square and with good views of the cathedral from its small rooftop sun terrace.

This 17th century colonial building is without doubt a very special place, and a real treasure right in the heart of Merida.

Whether you choose one of the beautifully decorated and maintained Standard rooms, the unique Special Class room or even an exquisite Suite - you'll be enchanted by this hotel's charms.

Owned by a French count, the Villa Montana's exquisite gardened terraces and staggering views set it way above the competition. Artists and photographers will be delighted by the multicolored blooms, towering fir trees and ivy-covered stone walls.

Guest cottages are arranged on several levels so that each has privacy and many share the panoramic views of the terraces. From November to March an excursion to the Monarch butterflies wintering grounds is a absolute must.

Formerly the 16th Century convent of Santa Catalina, the hotel is a beautiful combination of the historical, together with the excellent facilities and services of the prestigious Camino Real Group.

In one of the bougainvillea decked courtyards is a stunning swimming pool, surrounded by ancient stone walls, restored frescoes and flowering shrubs. In another, tables from the restaurant spill out under colonnades, and echoes of Gregorian chants drift in the breeze.

The Parador del Dominico is a long-standing feature on central Oaxaca's lodging lists, and has always been a very welcome one. The attractions for us lie in the simple, clean and unfussy lines that harmonize old and new. Traditional materials of stone and tile are tastefully mixed with modern furniture and even halogen lighting in the dining room.

Suprisingly modern facilities include satellite TV, minibar and phone, together with a hook-up for fax or PC.

Located in the town's main square, Mansion Iturbe is one of the most charming small hotels we've found in Mexico, with a warm welcome and attentive service. We particularly love the cozy rooms with their dark wooden furniture and 'Dona Paca Cafe' offers some of the best regional cuisine in the area.

The hotel makes a great base to explore the area, and tours of the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, Janitzio Island and local artisan towns such as Santa Clara del Cobre are highly recommended.

The hottest place to stay in Mexico City right now is the ultra-modern W Hotel, with its vibrant red interiors and buzzing lounge bar.  Although critics may say that the hotel lacks traditional Mexican flavor, we reckon that it offers the perfect opportunity to witness the every day city life of the affluent young Mexicans who frequent this area.  The bar is usually full of dating couples, smart business people and occasional tourists, and it stays busy often until the early hours.  The restaurant also serves until at least midnight and the menu includes a "by the piece" section featuring sushi, satay, tempura and oysters - perfect for late night nibbles.

The W's location in up-market Polanco is ideal for sightseeing, being close to the museums and parks, and is also convenient for the city's best restaurants.  Don't forget to save some time to enjoy the fantastic spa facilities at the hotel - these have to be some of the best we've seen in a city property.

With luxurious rooms arranged throughout several exquisitely restored mansions, the Casa Sierra Nevada is the ultimate place to stay in San Miguel. Guest rooms boast wood burning fires or sunny terraces, and the room service is impeccable.

For a break from the rigors of sightseeing spend an afternoon by the magnificent heated swimming pool, delightfully set in a gardened courtyard.  In the evening enjoy a gourmet restaurant, one of the most highly regarded in the country, and one of our favorites for its sumptuous decor and refined elegance.

The Todos Santos Inn is a real gem with quality accommodations that are full of period charm and comfortable elegance. It serves as a wondefully luxurious base for excursions into the area's desert landscapes and Pacific beaches. It's also an ideal escape from the commercialized Capes and even a few days will leave you with a taste of the real Mexico.

Romantics will love the hotel's suites: lavishly decorated and very tranquil accommodations, each with a private terrace. The standard rooms have also been furnished with a care and attention to detail that is rarely found in larger establishments.   Recent additions include a small pool and cozy wine bar.

Strolling into town is easy from this charming, centrally-located hotel and Valladolid also makes an excellent base for exploration of the archaeological sites and natural treasures of the Yucatan.  The restaurant is excellent too.

Many guests are pleasantly surprised by the amenities - including cable TV and telephones in all the rooms; and bidets and tubs in some of the roomy suites.  The enticing swimming pool is also a real delight.